Fresno County, California Biographies
Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)
History By Paul E. Vandor
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186
Transcribed by Peggy Hooper
This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm
JOSEPH S. BRETZ.� Among the early settlers of Fresno County who
helped lay the foundation of the present-day prosperity, was the late Joseph
S. Bretz, who was born in Pennsylvania and came with his parents to Clay-
ton County, Iowa. In the spring of 1875 he came to Fresno County and was
employed at Clipper Mills. Not long afterwards he started making shakes in
the same vicinity, and later still, a shingle mill on Pine Ridge. He made trips
back to Iowa, and was married in Hardin County, that state, April 29, 1886, to
Margaret Ellen Lepley, born in Knoxville, Harden County, Ohio, a daughter
of Valentine and Margaret (Scott) Lepley. natives of Ohio, who were
pioneers of Hardin County, Iowa. After his marriage Mr. Bretz located per-
manently in Fresno County, purchasing the shingle mill from Mr. Beard, and
established the Bretz mill one mile east of Ockenden, where he manufactured
shingles, shakes and posts; meantime he bought a ranch near Tollhouse and
there he resided when he died. October 25, 1911. He was an Odd Fellow.
Four children were born of this union: Edward and Frank who continue the
business and run the Bretz mill: Estella, who lives at home; and Lulu, Mrs.
Hauert of Clovis. Mrs. Bretz is now one of the oldest settlers on Pine Ridge
and still makes her home at Tollhouse.
Bretz Mill is one of the oldest mills still being operated on Pine Ridge.
The family own 1,160 acres of timber, which they manufacture into shingles,
shakes and posts. They indorse and follow the plan of the government in
leaving seed trees for reforestation. Bretz Brothers believe the plan should
be made compulsory and enforced by the government.
The children were all born in Fresno County. Edward Bretz is married
to Mary E. Hauert and they have four children : Louis, Robert, Bessie and
Merriam. The family now make their residence in Fresno. Frank Bretz
married Miss Wilma L. Hauert and they have three children � Donald, Verne
and Chester. He resides at the old Bretz home near Tollhouse. Both boys
are members of the Woodmen of the World. Frank is one of the trustees of
Pleasant Vale school district, and Edward is a trustee of Pine Ridge district.